SPIKE ALTERNATIVES for COMBINATION PLANTERS
Growers may recall the shortage of an asparagus fern springeri a few years ago, a plant variety commonly used in combination planters. While springeri seed is now readily available, a similar shortage is projected for the spring of 2024 with dracaena spike. Spikes are used frequently to provide central height as a thriller in combo mixed containers. Anticipating this, we evaluated some possible spike replacements for growers to use as thrillers in their spring 2024 combo pots.
• This can be an effective thriller, but growers should note that this foliage plant doesn’t get as tall as traditional spikes even with a long grow time. • Avoid using in combos with tall filler plants as they will get overtaken. • Growing tip: use a large plant in your combo pot. We suggest bringing in liners of these varieties in January and growing them in 4” pots. When planting your combos in late February or early March, place this 4” Marginata in the pot to get head start on the other items in the combo. Dracaena Marginata: Bicolor, Magenta, Red Edge, and new for ’24 Kiwi (pictured in order from left to right)
Eupatorium Elegant Feather: New for ‘24
• It is new to MYP for ’24, and our experience is limited to our spring and summer trials. • Vigorous growing plant. It grows quickly and will easily provide height as a thriller in combo pots. • Growing tips: Plant a split 51 plug in your pot the same time you plant the other annuals; it will grow fast enough to be the tall thriller at the end of production. If it is getting too tall, pinch it.
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